Men with diabetes and low testosterone levels at a greater risk of heart attacks

If you are a man and have diabetes, this news is for you. A new study has found that low testosterone levels in men with diabetes could increase their risk of heart disease . The study found that men who have low testosterone levels and type 2 diabetes are more likely to have atherosclerosis - a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries - than men who have diabetes and normal testosterone levels, the findings showed. 'The results of our study advance our understanding of the interplay between low testosterone and cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes,' said study co-author Javier Mauricio Farias from Hospital Universitario Sanatorio Guemes in Argentina. (Read: 5 foods that all diabetics should avoid)

Atherosclerosis occurs when fats, cholesterol and other substances build up in and on the walls of the body's arteries. This can restrict blood flow through the body's blood vessels. The plaques also can burst and cause blood clots. 'Our study indicates a strong association between low testosterone concentration and the severity of atherosclerotic plaques as well as other key atherosclerotic markers in middle-aged men with Type 2 diabetes,' Farias added. (Read: 8 facts about diabetes you didn t know)

The study involved 115 men with Type 2 diabetes. The participants were younger than age 70 and had no history of cardiovascular disease. The study found men who had low testosterone and Type 2 diabetes were six times more likely to have increased thickness of the carotid artery and endothelium dysfunction compared to men with normal serum testosterone levels. The findings appeared in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM). (Read: Expert tips to follow a diabetic diet)

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Here are 5 simple steps to control your diabetes better

Eat smart: Diet is the most important aspect of a diabetic s life. Ultimately, it s your diet that will determine your sugar levels. According to Dr Pradeep Gadge, consultant diabetologist at Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai for remembering a diabetic diet, one should always keep in mind four things: when to eat, what to eat, how much to eat and what to avoid. He suggests eating five small meals throughout the day, and recommends complete elimination of sugar, jaggery and refined flour from the diet.

Exercise: Diabetics should pay extra attention to their daily physical activity. If you re overweight, you must lose weight by exercising. When you exercise, your body extracts energy from the stored glucose in your body. Once the reserves are exhausted, your body will derive its energy from the bloodstream. This causes a drop in blood glucose levels. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can improve your insulin sensitivity. Additionally, it also helps you burn fat, regulate lipid and lower blood pressure by improving circulation. Read more about Control your diabetes better with these 5 simple steps